Electronic device and touch control method thereof

ABSTRACT

A touch control method used for an electronic device storing a relationship table recording a mapping relationship between handwritten touch input and a number of commands includes the following steps. Display an electronic file. Sense a touch trace of a user on the displayed electronic file and generating a trigger signal if the touch trace forms a closed loop having an enclosed region. Sense handwritten touch input by the user within the enclosed region and generate associated signals. Recognize a circled path having an enclosed region as input by the user according to the generated signals. Determine a command associated with the sensed handwritten touch input according to the relationship table in response to the trigger signal. Retrieve content of the displayed electronic file displayed within the enclosed region. And execute the retrieved command to the retrieved content. An electronic device using the method is also provided.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a touchcontrol method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Electronic devices having touch input units are popular. The user caninput information or select an item of a displayed menu via fingers or astylus contacting the touch input unit of the electronic device. Theelectronic device then displays the input content of the user orexecutes a function corresponding to the selected item. However, if theuser wants to select conventional functions of the electronic devicesuch as accessing a website, inserting an image, sending an e-mail onthe touch input unit, he/she needs to open the menu bar to select theitem displayed on the menu bar one by one, which is inconvenient for theuser.

Therefore, what is needed is an electronic device and a touch controlmethod thereof to alleviate the limitations described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, theemphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like referencenumerals designate corresponding sections throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a table stored in the storage unitof the electronic device of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-10 are schematic diagrams showing the operation interfacesdisplayed on the electronic device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 12-13 are schematic diagrams showing the operation interfacesdisplayed on the electronic device of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an image inserting method for electronicdevices, such as the one of FIG. 11, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for adding memos for electronicdevices, such as the one of FIG. 15, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the operation interface displayed onan electronic device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for adding memos for electronicdevices, such as the one of FIG. 17, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing the operation interface displayed onthe electronic device of FIG. 19 in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a method for print and fax circled portionsfor electronic devices, such as the one of FIG. 19, in accordance withthe exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view of a system for extracting feature ofsignatures in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing the operation interface displayed onthe electronic device of FIG. 22 in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method for extracting feature of signaturesfor electronic devices, such as the one of FIG. 22, in accordance withthe exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an encryption method for electronic devices,such as the one of FIG. 25, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a decryption method for electronic devices,such as the one of FIG. 25, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a schematic dialog of a signature verification system inaccordance of an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing the operation interface displayed onan electronic device of signature verification systems, such as the oneof FIG. 28, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a method for verifying signatures for signature verificationsystems, such as the one of FIG. 28, in accordance with the exemplaryembodiment.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a method for decrypting signatures forsignature verification systems, such as the one of FIG. 28, inaccordance with the exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance with anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing the operation interface displayedon the electronic device of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of a smart calculation control method forelectronic devices, such as the one of FIG. 32, in accordance with theexemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an electronicdevice 100. The electronic device 100 has a touch input function forreceiving handwriting input and intelligently executing the functionassociated with the command corresponding to the handwriting input. Theelectronic device 100 is a super notebook having a touch input unit 120and a handwriting input function. The super notebook is a commercialsuper intelligent device, and has a shape similar to conventional tabletcomputers. In alternative embodiments, the electronic device 100 can beother commercial or personal electronic devices having touch input unitsand handwriting input functions, such as a mobile phone, a personaldigital assistant, an electronic reader, a tablet computer, or a digitalphoto frame, for example.

The user can add notes, comments, and signatures to electronic files viahandwriting input on the electronic device 100. The electronic device100 automatically extracts a signature feature file reflecting thefeatures of the handwriting signature of the user, packages theelectronic file added with notes, comments, and signatures to a packagefile, and encrypts the package file with the extracted signature featurefile. The electronic device 100 also transmits the encrypted packagefile to a recipient via Internet.

Furthermore, the electronic device 100 executes functions automaticallythat are associated with simple touch input input by the user. Forexample, if “www.” is written on the touch input unit 120, theelectronic device 100 automatically activates the web explorer anddisplays a web browser interface with commonly used websites and/orrecently viewed websites. If a box is drawn on the touch input unit 120,and the term “photo” is written in the drawn box, the electronic device100 displays the drawn box, and then displays a window to show a folderincluding image files such as photo files and/or picture files adjacentthe drawn box. The user can then select an image file on the touch inputunit 120. In another embodiment, if the user slides a finger/pointingdevice from an image in a displayed folder into the drawn box, or drawsan arrow from an image in a displayed folder into the drawn box, theelectronic device 100 then automatically displays the image within thedrawn box. The electronic device 100 also can automatically adjust thesize of the image to match the size of the drawn box. The electronicdevice 100 further provides functions for intelligently adding memos,intelligent calculation, printing or faxing circled or selected portionsof an electronic file, etc. The details are as follow.

1. Operation Interfaces for the User

Referring to FIG. 1, in this exemplary embodiment, the electronic device100 includes a storage unit 110, a touch input unit 120, a display unit130, and a processor 140.

The storage unit 110 is able to store electronic files. The electronicfiles can be received or downloaded by the electronic device 100 via awired or wireless manner. The electronic files can also consist of filescreated and edited by users on the touch input unit 10. Referring toFIG. 2, the storage unit 110 also stores a relationship table 112recording a mapping relationship between touch inputs and a number ofcommands associated with the touch inputs. The touch input is selectedfrom the group consisting of: a character, a term, a phrase, a sentence,a symbol, a numeral, a gesture, and a sign etc. It is to be understood,the relationship table 112 only shows a few possibilities of touch inputand associated commands, the mapping relationship can be variedaccording to need. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device100 further offers the user to add and define the mapping relationshipbetween the touch input and associated commands.

The touch input unit 120 senses touch input of handwritten content by auser and generating signals associated with the user's touch input. Thetouch input unit 120 also transmits the generated signals to theprocessor 140.

The display unit 130 is a liquid crystal display (LCD). In anotherembodiment, the display unit 130 is an electronic paper display. Thetouch input unit 120 can be overlaid on the display unit 130 to form atouch screen. The touch input unit 120 can be the same size or smallerthan the display unit 130.

The processor 140 includes an identification module 141, a controlmodule 142, and an image processing module 143. The image processingmodule 143 receives handwriting input commands/content and createsimages of the handwriting input commands/content according to thesignals generated by the touch input unit 120. The control module 142controls displaying the created images on the display unit 130 andstores the created images in real time in the storage unit 110. In theembodiments, the displayed images also can be handwritten content sensedby the touch input unit 120. The identification module 141 recognizesthe touch input of the handwritten content and identifies if the touchinput of the recognized handwritten content is associated with a commandaccording to the generated signals and the relationship table 112. Thecontrol module 142 further controls the electronic device 100 to executethe associated command identified by the identification module 141.

The electronic device 100 further includes a communication unit 150 forcommunicating and transmitting data with other electronic devices viawired or wireless manner.

Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment, the touch input unit 120 is atransparent touch panel overlaid on the display unit 130 of theelectronic device 100 to form a touch screen. The input unit 120 is thesame size as the display unit 130. That is, all regions of the displayunit 130 can receive handwriting input of the user. The top of thedisplay unit 130 displays a number of icons 131 for a user to select.The icons 131 include icons representing a stylus, e-mail, back button,etc. The display unit 130 displays the touch input in response tohandwriting input of the stylus 1 or a finger of the user on the touchinput unit 120. The identification module 141 further compares the touchinput of the user and the touch input recorded in the relationship table112, to find the corresponding touch input and the associated command inthe relationship table 112. The control module 142 then controls thecorresponding function modules to execute the command and controls thedisplay unit 130 to display the interface showing the executing processand result of the command.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment. The differences between this embodimentand the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 are: in this embodiment, the touchinput unit 120 of the electronic device 100 is positioned at a specialregion on the display unit 130. The display unit 130 is a touch screenincluding a command input region 120 and a content input region 121. Thecommand input region 120 is positioned at the lower right corner of thedisplay unit 130, for receiving handwriting input commands of the user,and converting the handwriting input commands to electrical signals. Theother regions of the display unit 130, i.e., the content input region121 cannot be used for touch input of commands. That is, the contentinput region 121 cannot receive and identify any handwriting inputcommands of the user. In the embodiment, the size of command inputregion 120 is smaller than the size of the display unit 120—the touchscreen.

When the user writes the command “memo” on the touch input unit 120shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the identification module 141 retrieves theassociated command “display the interface for inputting memos” from therelationship table 112. The control module 142 controls the display unit130 to display the interface for inputting memos, then, the user canwrite memos on the displayed interface. As shown in FIG. 5, the writtenmemos of the user are recorded. If the user wants to delete the writtenmemos, he/she just needs to draw a slash 132 on the upper left corner ofthe displayed page/display unit 130. The identification module 141 thenretrieves the command “delete the content of the current page”associated with the drawn slash 132. The control module 142 thencontrols the display unit 130 to display a blank interface for inputtingtouch input.

When the user writes an arithmetic equation 133 (shown in FIG. 5) on thetouch input unit 120 shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, for example, 12multiplied by 5 and a horizontal line under the multiplication sign andthe written number 5, the identification module 142 retrieves theassociated command “run the written arithmetic equation to calculate theresult.” The control module 142 then runs the arithmetic equation 133and calculates a result—60, and controls the display unit 130 to displaythe calculated result—60 under the written horizontal line of thearithmetic equation 133. Thus, the electronic device 100 provides userfriendly interfaces and functions which match and satisfy thehandwriting habits of users when they use real paper. The details aredescribed in the eighth part of this specification—IntelligentlyIdentifying Handwritten Arithmetic Equations and IntelligentlyCalculating the Results.

When the user writes “www” or “www.” on the touch input unit 120 shownin FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the display unit 130 displays the web browserinterface for inputting whole or partial website addresses or names ofwebsites. For example, if the user writes “G” or “g” on the touch inputunit 120, the display unit 130 may then display the Google search pageon the web browser interface.

When the electronic device 100 displays the interface shown in FIG. 3 orFIG. 4, if the user writes “U” or “u” (the first letter of the word“Up”) or inputs a sliding touch rightward on the touch input unit 120,the display unit 130 displays the previous page. If the user writes “D”or “d” (the first letter of the word “Down”) or slides leftward on thetouch input unit 120, the display unit 130 displays the next page of thecurrently displayed page. If the user writes “Q” or “q” (the firstletter of the word “Quit”) or “x” on the touch input unit 120, theelectronic device 100 executes a negative operation such as exiting therunning application, shutting down the electronic device 100, or othersimilar operation. If the user writes “Y” or “y” (the first letter ofthe word “Yes”) or “√” on the touch input unit 120, the electronicdevice 100 executes a positive operation such as entering/opening anapplication or file.

When the display unit 130 displays the interface as shown in FIG. 5, ifthe stylus or the finger of the user slides from the bottom of thedisplay unit 130 to the top of the display unit 130, the control module142 controls the display unit 130 to display the vivid effect page shownin FIG. 6 for indicating page flipping. After the page flipping process,the display unit 130 displays the next interface for inputting memos,the control module 142 further stores the previous page including thewritten memos in the storage unit 110. Then the user can continue towrite memos in the next interface.

Referring to FIG. 7( a), if the user draws a box 702 enclosing writtencontent such as the written content 701, and draws a slash 703 on theupper right corner of the box 702, the identification module 141identifies the command of the user and retrieves an associated command“display a predetermined menu bar.” Referring to FIG. 7( b), the controlmodule 141 controls the display unit 130 to display the predeterminedmenu bar 704. In this embodiment, the menu bar 704 includes thefollowing items selectable by the user: optical character recognition(OCR), calculator, insert image, save, and translate. It is to beunderstood, the items included in the menu bar 704 can be variedaccording to need. If OCR is selected, the image processing module 143identifies the written content 701 enclosed by the box 702, and convertsthe written content 701 to printed content using a predetermined font.The predetermined font can be a default font such as times new roman orsome other font predefined by the user. The control module 142 controlsthe display unit 130 to display the converted written content (see FIG.7( c)). As such, the electronic device 100 is able to convenientlyprocess the boxed written content according to the user's touch input.

Referring to FIG. 8( a), if the user draws a box 812 and then draws aslash 713 on the upper right corner of the drawn box 812, theidentification module 141 identifies the touch input of the user andretrieves associated command “display a predetermined menu bar.”Referring to FIG. 8( b), the control module 142 controls the displayunit 130 to display the predetermined menu bar 714. If the insert imageitem is selected, the control module 142 then controls the display unit130 to display the image selected by the user in the box 812, which isshown in FIG. 8( c).

In an exemplary embodiment, when the stylus or the finger of the userslides leftward from the right of the display unit 130, the controlmodule 142 controls the display unit 130 to display a page as shown inFIG. 9. A menu bar 904 is displayed on the right of the displayed page.In this embodiment, the menu bar 904 includes the following userselectable items: e-mail, fax, file, calendar, calculator, and book. Itis to be understood, the items included in the menu bar 904 can bevaried according to need. If the user draws an arrow 134 from thedisplayed page to one of the items included in the menu bar 904 (seeFIG. 10), the control module 142 then controls adding the content of thedisplayed page to an editable page associated with the item pointed toby the drawn arrow. For example, the content of the displayed page canbe added to an e-mail, to to-be-faxed content, to the current date or adesignated date of the calendar, etc.

In another exemplary embodiment, if the user draws a slash on the upperright corner of the displayed page on the touch input unit 120, theidentification module 141 identifies the touch input and retrieves theassociated command “display a predetermined menu bar” from therelationship table 112. The control module 142 also controls the displayunit 130 to display a predetermined menu bar. If one of the itemsincluded in the menu bar is selected by the user, the control module 142controls the corresponding function modules of the electronic device 100to execute the function associated with the selected item, and controlsthe display unit 130 to display the corresponding interface/page.

2. Inserting Image(s)

In an exemplary embodiment, if the user wants to insert an image duringthe handwriting input process, the user just draws a pattern having anenclosed region at the position where the image is to be located anddraws an arrow from outside of the pattern to the inside, or writes theterm/phrase “photo,” or “insert photo,” or uses some other predeterminedtouch input associated with the command—“insert a photo/photos,” forexample. Then the electronic device adjusts the size of the selectedimage to fit inside the pattern and displays the selected image in theenclosed region of the pattern. In this embodiment, the pattern havingan enclosed region can be a box, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, asquare, or other patterns having an irregular or a regular shape andhaving a enclosed region. The predetermined touch input associated withthe command—“insert a photo/photos” can be a term, a phrase, or othertouch input having the same meaning as “insert a photo/photos.” Theselected image can be an image pre-selected by the user or an imageselected at that time by the user from a folder that pops up after thecommand—“insert a photo/photos” is received.

In an alternative embodiment, if the drawn pattern is inclined, theelectronic device further rotates the selected image to match the drawnpattern.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in the embodiment, the electronic device200 includes a storage unit 210, a touch input unit 220, a display unit230, and a processor 240. The storage unit 210 stores a number of imagesselected from the group consisting of pictures, and photos etc. Thestorage unit 210 also stores a relationship table recording a mappingrelationship between handwritten touch inputs and a number of commandsassociated with the handwritten touch inputs. The touch input unit 220generates signals in response to user's handwritten input. In theembodiment, the touch input unit 220 generates a trigger signal if atouch trace of a user on an electronic file displayed on the displayunit 230 forming a closed loop having an enclosed region, senseshandwritten touch input by the user within the enclosed region andgenerates signals associated with the handwritten touch input. Theprocessor 240 includes a command identification module 241, an imageretrieving module 242, and a control module 244. The commandidentification module 241 determines a command associated with thesensed handwritten touch input according to the relationship table 112in response to the trigger signal from the touch input unit 220. Thecontrol module 244 controls the display unit 230 to display the contentwritten by the user. In the embodiment, the touch input of the user onthe touch input unit 220 can be gestures such as an image insertinggesture for inserting images.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the input of the user is drawing a box 231and writing a term “image,” “photo,” “picture,” or other terms, letters,or phrases having a meaning or representative of “image” or “insertingan image or images,” or the user draws an arrow from outside the box 231to the inside of the box 231, the command identification module 241identifies the touch input of the user is an image inserting command.The image retrieving module 242 then retrieves an image selected by theuser from the storage unit 210. The control module 244 controls thedisplay unit 230 to display the selected image in the box 231. Theselected image can be a preselected image by the user. If the user hasnot previously selected an image to-be-inserted, the image retrievingmodule 242 further retrieves the storage path of images stored in thestorage unit 210 when the command identification module 241 determinesthe touch input of the user is the image inserting command. The controlmodule 244 further controls the display unit 230 to display theretrieved storage path and associated file/folder for the user to selectan image, and then displays the image selected by the user in the box231.

The processor 240 further includes an image adjustment module 243 forcomparing the size of the selected image and the size of the box 231 todetermine whether the sizes are the same, if yes, the control module 244controls the display unit 230 to display the selected image in the box231, otherwise, the image adjustment module 243 further adjusts the size(includes the length and the width) of the selected image to be the samesize as the box 231. And then the control module 244 controls thedisplay unit 230 to display the size adjusted selected image in the box231.

The image adjustment module 243 further determines whether the box 231has an angle relative to the horizontal line, and rotates the selectedimage to the same degree as the angle of the box 231, thus the selectedimage match will have the same orientation as the box 231 (see FIG. 13).In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device 200 further pops upa dialog box to prompt the user to confirm whether he/she wants toinsert an image/images when the command identification module 241determines the touch input of the user is an image inserting command.The electronic device 200 then inserts a pre-selected image or providesimage choices and inserts a selected image according to the user'sinput.

It is to be understood, although the present disclosure has beenspecifically described on the basis of the embodiment of the box 231drawn by the user, the disclosure is not to be construed as beinglimited to the box 231. Various changes or modifications may be made tothe embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. The image adjustment module 243 adjusts the size andorientation of the selected image to match the drawn pattern having anenclosed region.

The electronic device 200 also can include a communication unit 20 forcommunicating with other electronic devices. The electronic device 200can receive and send images such as photos via the communication unit20.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of an image inserting method of the electronicdevice 200 of FIG. 11. The electronic device 200 includes a storageunit, a touch input unit, a display unit, and a processor. The methodincludes the following steps, each of which is related to the variouscomponents contained in the electronic device 200:

In step S211, display an editing interface on the display unit 230 inresponse to user's operation.

In step S212, the touch input unit 220 generates signals in response touser's touch input.

In step S213, the command identification module 241 identifies whetherthe touch input of the user is an image inserting command according tothe generated signals, if yes, the process goes to step S214, otherwise,the process ends. In the embodiment, if the touch input of the user isdrawing a pattern having an enclosed region and drawing an arrow fromoutside the pattern to the inside, or writes the term/phrase “photo,”“insert photo,” or a predetermined touch input associated with thecommand—“insert a photo/photos,” the command identification module 241identifies and determines the touch input of the user is an imageinserting command. In the embodiment, the pattern drawn by the user is abox 231.

In step S214, the image retrieving module 242 retrieves a storage pathof images stored in the storage unit 210, and the control module 244controls the display unit 230 to display the retrieved storage path andassociated file/folder.

In step S215, the image adjustment module 243 compares the size of theselected image and the size of the box 231 to determine whether thesizes are the same, if no, the process goes to step S216, otherwise, theprocess goes to step S217.

In step S216, the image adjustment module 243 adjusts the size (includesthe length and the width) of the selected image to be the same as thesize of the box 231.

In step S217, the control module 244 controls the display unit 230 todisplay the selected image adjusted by the image adjustment module 243in the box 231.

With such a configuration, the user can insert an image by using theelectronic device 200 and the image inserting method thereof. The useralso can control the inserting size and the inserting position of theimage to-be-inserted by controlling the size and the position of thepattern such as the box 231, which is convenient for users.

3. Automatically Adding Memos

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device can automaticallyidentifies the written content and determines whether the user wants toadd memos according to the written content. The written content of theuser includes the memo and the memo date. The electronic device also canadd the memo of the written content to the corresponding memo date on acalendar.

Referring to FIG. 15, the electronic device 300 includes a storage unit310, a touch input unit 320, a display unit 330, and a processor 340.The storage unit 310 stores a calendar and a predetermined date formatused for automatically adding memos. The storage unit 310 is also usedfor storing memos written by users. The touch input unit 320 sensestouch input of written content on the displayed calendar by the user,generates signals associated with the user's touch input, and recognizesthe written content of the user according to the generated signals. Theprocessor 340 includes an identification module 341 and a memo addingmodule 342. The identification module 341 identifies whether the touchinput of the user indicates a memo adding command. The identificationmodule 341 also identifies whether the touch input of the user containsa memo adding command. The calendar is an electronic calendar.

In this embodiment, the touch input can be gestures for writing memos.The identification module 341 determines the touch input of the userindicating a memo adding command if the generated touch input includes amemo date which matches the predetermined date format stored in thestorage unit 310. The predetermined date format is selected from thegroup consisting of: “year-month-day,” “day-month-year,”“month-day-year,” “year/month/day,” “month/day/year,” “day/month/year,”“year.month.day,” and “month. day, year” etc. Year for the four-digitArabic numerals such as “2012” can be shortened to double-digit Arabicnumerals such as “12.” Month can be numerals between 1-12, and Date canbe numerals between 1-31. In another embodiment, the predetermined dateformat can omit the year, in this situation, the electronic device 100consider the current year as the default year.

When the identification module 341 determines the touch input of theuser indicating a memo adding command, the memo adding module 342automatically adds the memo of the written content and the memo date toa memo file storing memos written by the user. Presuming thepredetermined date format is “year-month-day,” the written content inputby the user is “2011-9-14 Lily's birthday,” the identification module341 identifies the written content including a date-“2011-9-14” matchingthe predetermined date format—“year-month-day,” and therefore determinesthe touch input of the user is a memo adding command. The memo addingmodule 342 then adds the memo—“Lily's birthday” relative to thedate—“Sep. 14, 2011” on the calendar to the memo file stored in thestorage unit 310. That is, the memo is added to the memo file associatedwith the date—Sep. 14, 2011.

In an alternative embodiment, the identification module 341 furthercontrols the display unit 330 to display a dialog box to prompt the userto confirm whether user wants to add memos, when it is determined thetouch input of the user indicates a memo adding command. The memo addingmodule 342 then adds memos or gives up to add memos for the useraccording to the user's selection. The memo adding module 342 furthersets the reminder manner such as the alarm for reminding the user of thememo on the memo date. The reminder manner is preset by the user or adefault manner of the electronic device 300.

FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of a memo adding method of the electronicdevice 300 of FIG. 15, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Theelectronic device 300 includes a storage unit, a touch input unit, adisplay unit, and a processor. The storage unit stores a calendar and apredetermined date format. The method includes the following steps, eachof which is related to the various components contained in theelectronic device 300:

In step S311, the electronic device 300 display an editing interface onthe display unit 330 in response to user's operation.

In step S312, the touch input unit 320 creates written content inresponse to touch input of the user. In the embodiment, the touch inputunit 320 senses touch input of written content thereon by the user,generates signals associated with the user's touch input, and recognizesthe written content of the user according to the generated signals.

In step S313, the identification module 341 identifies whether thewritten content of the user indicates a memo adding command, if yes, theprocess goes to step S314, otherwise, the process ends.

In step S314, the identification module 341 further controls the displayunit 330 to display a dialog box to prompt the user to confirm whetherthe user wants to add memos, if yes, the process goes to step S315,otherwise, the process ends.

In step S315, the memo adding module 342 automatically adds the memoincluded in the written content relative to the memo date to a memo filerecording memos written by the user.

With such a configuration, the user can conveniently add memos to a datewithout finding or selecting the date in the calendar. Instead, the useronly needs to write the memo and a memo date using the predetermineddate format on the editing interface, the electronic device 300 thenautomatically adds the memo to the memo file of the memo date.

In another exemplary embodiment, the electronic device 300 displays acalendar interface in response to user's input, if the user touch inputsa memo on a date of the displayed calendar interface, the electronicdevice 300 will automatically associate that memo with the date. In theembodiment, the touch input unit 320 generates signals for retrievingthe calendar in response to the user's operation associated with acommand to open the calendar. The processor 340 retrieves the calendarstored in the storage unit 310 and displays a calendar interface of theretrieved calendar on the display unit 330. The display unit 330 and thetouch input unit 320 together form a touch screen. The calendarinterface displayed on the display unit 330 is shown in FIG. 17( a). Thecalendar interface is similar to a page of the classic paper desktopcalendar or the interface of a conventional electronic calendar. Thatis, the calendar interface includes numbered squares representing daysorganized by weeks forming a grid. Each date associated with a squareand each number representing the date is displayed in a correspondingsquare. If the user writes on a square displayed on the display unit330, the touch input unit 320 generates input signals and creates thecorresponding written content 301, and controls the display unit 330 todisplay the written content 301 on the calendar interface. The writtencontent 301 is displayed at the position of the touch input on thedisplay unit 330.

The identification module 341 determines the square corresponding to thewritten content 301 and the memo date of the written content 301associated with the square according to the input signals from the touchinput unit 320. In the embodiment, the identification module 341determines the memo date of the written content 301 according to thecoordinates of the first touch point of the written content 301. Thatis, wherever the user first touches the input unit 320 when starting towrite the memo determines which date the memo will be associated with.For example, if the coordinates of the first touch point of the writtencontent 301 are within one of the squares labeled with a date displayedon the display unit 330, the identification module 341 then determinesthe date associated with the square is the memo date. In an alternativeembodiment, the identification module 341 determines the memo date ofthe written content 301 according to which square has the most content.

The memo adding module 342 then automatically adds the written content301 to the memo file in the storage unit 310 of the determined memodate. The memo adding module 342 also creates a memo mark of the memodate and controls the display unit 330 to display the created memo markon the memo date. The memo mark can be, for example, a shaded triangledisplayed in the upper right corner of the memo date. The memo mark alsocan be the square associated with the memo date being shaded (see FIG.17( b)). It is to be understood, the marking manner, shape, and color ofthe memo mark can be varied according to need. The touch input can begestures for writing memos.

Referring to FIG. 17( a), when the user touch inputs the written content301—“Grandpa's birthday” on the square associated with the date-Apr. 23,2012, the memo adding module 342 will automatically add the writtencontent 301—“Grandpa's birthday” to the memo file of the date—Apr. 23,2012. The memo adding module 342 also shades the square associated withthe date—Apr. 23, 2012 with gray as the memo mark for reminding the user(see FIG. 17( b)). If the user handwriting inputs the written content301—“complement work day” on the square associated with the date—Apr.28, 2012, the memo adding module 342 will automatically add the writtencontent 301—“complement work day” to the memo of the date—Apr. 28, 2012,and adds a triangle infilled with gray on the upper right corner of thesquare associated with the date—Apr. 28, 2012 as the memo mark forreminding the user (see FIG. 17( b)).

FIG. 18 shows another flowchart of a memo adding method of theelectronic device 300 of FIG. 15, in accordance with another exemplaryembodiment. The electronic device 300 includes a storage unit, a touchinput unit, a display unit, and a processor. The storage unit stores acalendar. The method includes the following steps, each of which isrelated to the various components contained in the electronic device300:

In step S321, the processor 340 retrieves the calendar stored in thestorage unit 310 and displays a calendar interface of the retrievedcalendar on the display unit 330. In the embodiment, the calendarinterface is similar to a page of the classic paper desktop calendar orthe interface of conventional electronic calendar. Each date associatedwith a square and each number representing the date is displayed in acorresponding square.

In step S322, the touch input unit 320 generates input signals andcreates the corresponding written content 301.

In step S323, the identification module 341 determines the squarecorresponding to the written content 301 and the memo date of thewritten content 301 associated with the square according to the inputsignals from the touch input unit 320. The identification module 341determines the memo date of the written content 301 according to thecoordinates of the first touch point of the written content 301. Forexample, if the coordinates of the first touch point of the writtencontent 301 are within one of the squares labeled with a date displayedon the display unit 330, the identification module 341 then determinesthe date associated with the square is the memo date. In an alternativeembodiment, the identification module 341 determines the memo date ofthe written content 301 according to which square has the most content.

In step S324, the memo adding module 342 automatically adds the writtencontent 301 to the memo file of the determined memo date and controlsthe display unit 330 to display a memo mark on the memo date, stores thewritten content of memo in the storage unit 310, and controls thedisplay unit 330 to display a memo mark on the memo date.

With such a configuration, when the user wants to add memo on a date inthe calendar, he/she just needs to write the memo on a square displayedon the calendar interface and associated with the memo date, then theelectronic device 300 will automatically add the written memo to thememo of the memo date and stores the memo the memo date.

4. Printing and Faxing the Circled Portions of an Electronic Page/File

An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a new manner forprinting and faxing files. When an electronic file such as a page isdisplayed on the electronic device, the user can circle one or moreportions of the page to be printed or faxed, and input a printingcommand or a fax command on the circled portion(s), then the electronicdevice will print the content of the circled portion(s) in apredetermined format or send the content of the circled portion(s) to aprinter to print the content on paper, or fax the content of the circledportion(s) to a selected fax number or send the content of the circledportion(s) to a fax machine to fax the content of the circled portion(s)to the selected fax number. That is, the electronic device provides amanner for printing or faxing part of the content of the displayedelectronic page.

Referring to FIG. 19, the electronic device 400 includes a storage unit410, a touch input unit 420, a display unit 430, a processor 440, and acommunication unit 450. The storage unit 410 stores a relationship table112 and a fax number of electronic files. The touch input unit 420generates signals in response to user's handwriting input. Thecommunication unit 450 is configured for transmitting data such as thecontent to-be-faxed to other electronic devices. In the embodiment, theelectronic device 400 is connected to a printer and/or a fax machine.The relationship table 112 records a mapping relationship between touchgestures and a plurality of commands associated with the touch gestures.

The processor 440 includes a command identification module 441, acontent retrieving module 442, and a control module 443. The controlmodule 443 is configured for controlling the display unit 430 to displayan electronic device according to the signals generated in response touser input. The command identification module 441 is configured fordetermining whether the command of the user is a printing or fax commandaccording to the signals input on the electronic file and therelationship table 112. When the command identification module 441determines the command of the user is a printing or fax command, thecontent retrieving module 442 retrieves the circled content 432 of theelectronic file 431 circled by the user. The circled content 432 is thecontent circled within the circle drawn on the electronic file 431. Ifthe command of the user is a printing command, the control module 443sends the circled content 432 to the printer to print the circledcontent 432. If the command of the user is a fax command, the controlmodule 443 automatically faxes the circled content 432 to a fax numberselected by the user, or transmits the circled content 432 to the faxmachine to fax the circled content 432 to the fax number selected by theuser.

In the embodiment, the touch input of the user on the touch input unit420 can be touch gestures, such as a printing gesture, a fax gestureetc. The user circles content of the electronic file 431 displayed onthe display unit 430 through the touch input unit 420 can be theprinting command. The user circles content of the electronic file 431displayed on the display unit 430, and writes the term “print” or someother term predefined to mean print on the circled content on the touchinput unit 420 can be the printing command. The user circles content ofthe electronic file 431 displayed on the display unit 430, and selectsor preselects a fax number on the touch input unit 420 can be the faxcommand. Referring to FIG. 20, two portions—the two circled contents 432of the displayed electronic file 431 are circled.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than sending content to a printer avirtual printer or fax machine may receive the circled content asfollows. The processor 440 further includes a format conversion module444 and an image processing module 446. The image processing module 446is configured to recognize a circled path 433 as input by the user. Theformat conversion module 444 is configured for converting the format ofthe circled content 432 to a predetermined electronic format of anelectronic file. In the embodiment, the predetermined electronic formatis the hyperlink text markup language (HTML) format. In anotherembodiment, the predetermined electronic format can also be .tif formator .jpg etc. Thus, the electronic device 400 provides a paperlessprinting manner for the user. When the command of the user is a faxcommand, the control module 443 is further configured for controllingthe communication unit 450 to transmit the converted electronic filehaving the predetermined electronic format (eg. HTML format) to a faxnumber or an e-mail address selected by the user. Thus the electronicdevice 400 faxes the circled content 432 to the fax number or the e-mailaddress.

In an embodiment, the processor 440 also includes a mark up module 444.The mark up module 444 is configured for adding comments to the contentin response to user's input. For example, when the user inputs commentson the display unit 430, the mark up module 444 then creates the markedup content corresponding to the input comments by the user. The controlmodule 443 then controls the displays unit 430 to display the marked upcontent created by the mark up module 444. When the retrieved circledcontent retrieved by the content retrieving module 442 includes themarked up content, the control module 443 also converts the format ofthe retrieved circled content including the marked up content to anelectronic file having the HTML format, and transmits the convertedelectronic file having the HTML format to a fax number or an e-mail.

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of a method for printing or faxing circledcontent of the electronic device 400 of FIG. 19. The electronic device400 includes a storage unit storing electronic files, a touch inputunit, a display unit, and a processor. The touch screen generatessignals in response to the user touches. The method includes thefollowing steps, each of which is related to the various componentscontained in the electronic device 400:

In step S411, the electronic device 400 displays an electronic file onthe display unit 430 in response to user's operation.

In step S412, the touch input unit 420 generates signals in response tothe user's handwriting input. In the embodiment, the user can circlecontent of the displayed electronic file, and can mark up comments onthe displayed electronic file on the touch input unit 420.

In step S413, the command identification module 441 determines whetherthe command of the user is a printing or fax command according to thesignals input on the electronic file and the relationship table 112. Ifyes, the process goes to step S414, otherwise, the process ends. In theembodiment, the user circling content of the electronic file 431displayed on the display unit 430 on the touch input unit 420 can be theprinting command. In another embodiment, the user circles content of theelectronic file 431 displayed on the display unit 430, and writes theterm “print” or some other term predefined to mean print on the circledcontent on the touch input unit 420 can be the printing command. Theuser circles content of the electronic file 431 displayed on the displayunit 430, and selects or preselects a fax number on the touch input unit420 can be the fax command.

In step S414, the content retrieving module 442 retrieves the circledcontent 432 of the electronic file 431 circled by the user.

In step S415, the control module 443 converts the format of the circledcontent 432 to a predetermined electronic format of an electronic file.In the embodiment, the predetermined electronic format is the HTMLformat.

In step S416, the control module 443 controls the communication unit 450to transmit the converted electronic file having the predeterminedelectronic format (HTML) to a fax number or an e-mail address selectedby the user.

With such a configuration, the user can select parts of the displayedelectronic file to print or fax using the electronic device 400. Thatis, the user can circle content of the displayed page on the electronicdevice 400, and then electronic device 400 prints the circled content bythe user to a HTML electronic file or faxes the circled content by theuser to a selected number or an e-mail selected by the user. Compared tothe conventional printing or fax manner, the user does not need to printor fax all content of the displayed page, which saves energy and papersand brings the convenient operation for the user.

It is to be understood, various changes or modifications may be made tothe embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. For example, in other embodiments: 1) if the user inputshandwritten commands such as “x,” “delete,” or the like within the drawncircled region, the command identification module 441 then identifiesthe input handwritten command to be a deleting command, the contentretrieving module 442 retrieves the circled content within the circledregion and the control module 443 controls the electronic device 400 todelete the circled content. 2) if the user inputs handwritten commandssuch as “√,” “copy,” or the like within the drawn circled region, thecommand identification module 441 then identifies the input handwrittencommand to be a copy command, the content retrieving module 442retrieves the circled content within the circled region and the controlmodule 443 controls the electronic device 400 to copy the circledcontent. 3) if the user inputs handwritten commands such as “t,”“translate,” or the like within the drawn circled region, the commandidentification module 441 then identifies the input handwritten commandto be a translation command, the content retrieving module 442 retrievesthe circled content within the circled region and the control module 443controls the electronic device 400 to translate the circled content witha language selected by the user. In a word, the user can select contentof the displayed page by circling a region, and then writes a command onthe circled content, then the electronic device 400 can identifies thecommand and executes the command by processing the circled content,which provides a convenient and easy control manner for the user. Thepresent disclosure has been specifically described on the basis of theembodiments thereof, the disclosure is not to be construed as beinglimited thereto.

5. Handwritten Signature Identification

An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a function foridentifying handwritten signatures of users of the electronic device.When it is the first time for a user to activate the function foridentifying handwritten signatures of the electronic device, theelectronic device also invites the user to do a test for extracting thesignature features of his/her handwritten signature, and stores amapping relationship between a number of user identities (IDs)/names anda number of signature features of handwritten signatures associated withthe corresponding user IDs/names of the user in a server or theelectronic device for the future handwritten signature identification.

Referring to FIG. 22, an exemplary embodiment of a handwritten signatureidentification system 1000 including an electronic device 500 and aserver 600 is provided. The electronic device 500 communicates with theserver 600 via wired or wireless manners. The server 600 includes astorage unit 610, a verification unit 620, and a communication unit 630.The storage unit 610 stores a mapping relationship between a number ofsignature features of handwritten signatures and a number of user names.These signature features of handwritten signatures are extracted andstored during the test for extracting the signature features, which isdone when it is the first time for the user to use the handwrittensignature identification system 1000. The details of the process forextracting the signature features are described later. The server 600can be managed and kept by a bank, or a corporation etc. Thecommunication unit 630 is used for communicating with electronic device500 or other devices. The verification unit 620 is used for comparingthe signature features of a user transmitted from the electronic device500 with the signature features of the handwritten signature of the userstored in the storage unit 610, to verify whether signature features arethe same or the differences between the signature features fall within apredetermined acceptable difference range. The verification unit 620also transmits the verified results to the electronic device 500.

The electronic device 500 includes a storage unit 510, a handwritteninput unit 520, a display unit 530, a processor 540, and a communicationunit 550. The storage unit 510 stores a mapping relationship between anumber of signature files and a number of signature features of users.The handwritten input unit 520 generates signals in response to user'shandwritten input. The communication unit 550 is used for communicatingwith other electronic devices such as the server 600. The processor 540includes a detection module 541, a feature extraction module 542, and acontrol module 543. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device500 also includes all of the function units of the server 600. Thus theelectronic device 500 also can verify the authenticity of thehandwritten signature input by the user on the handwritten input unit520. In the embodiment, the handwritten input unit 520 includes a touchsensing unit for sensing a touch input of a handwritten signaturethereon by a user.

The detection module 541 is configured for detecting the coordinates (x,y) of each touch point of the handwritten signature during thehandwriting process. The touch points of the handwritten signature formthe signature trace. In the embodiment, “x” is an abscissa valuerelative to an established origin, and “y” is an ordinate value relativeto the established origin. Setting the first touch point as the origin(0, 0) of the handwritten signature, for example, then the coordinatesof other points of the handwritten signature are all relative to theorigin (0, 0). The detection module 541 also stores the detectedcoordinates in the storage unit 510.

The feature extraction module 542 extracts the signature features of thehandwritten signature input by the user according to the coordinates ofeach touch point of the handwritten signature detected by the detectionmodule 541 and a predetermined extraction manner. In the embodiment, thepredetermined extraction manner is to select a number of features pointsfrom the touched points and obtain coordinates of the feature points ofthe signature trace. The feature points of the signature trace are thetouch points on the signature trace of the handwritten signature whichreflect the signature features of the user and may differ from other'ssignature features. The feature points of the signature trace areselected from the group consisting of: the first point of thehandwriting signature, the last point of the handwriting signature, thepoints having relative larger curvature (such as the points on the bentposition of the signature trace), the points on the two ends of ahorizontal line or a vertical line of a stroke, the lift point when thefinger or the stylus of the user is lifted from the handwritten inputunit 520 during the handwritten signature process, and the next touchpoint following a lift point etc. The extracted signature featuresinclude the mapping relationship between the number of feature points ofthe signature trace and the number of extracted coordinates associatedwith the corresponding feature points. That is, the extracted signaturefeatures include a combination of the selected features points and thecoordinates thereof.

The control module 543 controls the communication unit 550 to transmitthe extracted signature features of the handwritten signature of theuser to the server 600. After the signature features of the handwrittensignature of the user is verified by the server 600, the control module543 further controls the display unit 530 to display the verificationresult transmitted from the server 600.

In an alternative embodiment, to improve the accuracy of theidentification of the handwritten signature, the detection module 541 isfurther configured for detecting the three-dimensional coordinates (x,y, z) of each point of the handwritten signature during the handwrittensignature process. In the embodiment, “z” is a value selected from thegroup consisting of: the value of the pressure touch by the user on ofthe point (the electrostatic signal strength of the point), the value ofthe time period between the touch point and the previous touch point,the time duration of the touch on the point, the size of the touch area(eg. footprint) of the touch point, the value of an angle relative to areferenced touch point (such as the origin), etc. The feature extractionmodule 542 extracts the signature features of the handwritten signatureinput by the user according to the three-dimensional coordinates of eachpoint of the handwritten signature detected by the detection module 541and a predetermined extraction manner.

If it is the first time for the user to use the electronic device 500,the control module 543 further controls the display unit 530 to displaya dialog box to invite the user to provide an example of their signaturefor extracting features of the handwritten signature of the user. Thenthe user signs a signature region testing the dialog box. The functionunits such as the detection module 541, the feature extraction module542 and the control module 543 execute the above described functionsrespectively. In the embodiment, the electronic device 500 will guidethe user to provide at least three samples of their handwrittensignature. That is, the user needs to input his/her handwrittensignature at least three times to finish the signature featureextraction process. Because there will naturally be differences in thethree samples, the feature extraction module 542 also calculates theaverage values of corresponding coordinates from the three samples. Thefeature extraction module 542 then processes the calculated averagecoordinates. The control module 543 controls the communication unit 550to transmit the extracted the signature features of the handwrittensignature of the user to the server 600 for storing in the storage unit610. In an embodiment, the feature extraction module 542 also stores theextracted the signature features associated with the user name of theuser in the storage unit 510.

Referring to FIG. 23, when the user input the handwritten signature 531,the detection module 541 detects the coordinates of all the coordinatesof the points of the handwritten signature 531. The feature extractionmodule 542 extracts the signature features of the handwritten signature531 according to the predetermined extraction manner. For example, thesignature features of the following feature points reflecting thesignature features of the user are extracted: A0, A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,A6, A7, A8, A9, A10, . . . . The coordinates of the feature point A0 are(0, 0), the coordinates of the other feature points are relative to thefeature point A0. In an alternative embodiment, the detection module 541also detects the three-dimensional coordinates of each point of thehandwritten signature.

FIG. 24 shows a flowchart of a method for identifying the handwrittensignatures of users of the handwritten signature identification system1000 of FIG. 22. The handwritten signature identification system 1000includes an electronic device and a server. The method includes thefollowing steps, each of which is related to the various componentscontained in the handwritten signature identification system 1000:

In step S511, the handwritten input unit 520 of an electronic device 500generates signals in response to handwritten signature input by a user.In the embodiment, the handwritten input unit 520 includes a touchsensing unit for sensing a touch input of a handwritten signaturethereon by a user.

In step S512, the detection module 541 of the electronic device 500detects coordinates of each touch point of the handwritten signature ofthe user.

In step S513, the feature extraction module 542 of the electronic device500 extracts the signature features of the handwritten signature inputby the user according to the coordinates of each touch point of thehandwritten signature detected by the detection module 541 and apredetermined extraction manner.

In step S514, the control module 543 of the electronic device 500controls the communication unit 550 to transmit the extracted thesignature features of the handwritten signature to the server 600.

In step S515, the verification module 620 of a server 600 compares thesignature features of a user transmitted from the electronic device 500with the signature features of the handwritten signature of the userstored in the storage unit 610 of the server 600, to verify whethersignature features are the same or the differences between the signaturefeatures fall within a predetermined acceptable difference range. Theserver 600 also transmits the verified result to the electronic device500 via the communication unit 630.

In step S516, the control module of the electronic device 500 controlsthe display unit 530 to display the verified result transmitted from theserver 600.

6. The Written Signature Used as a Password

In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device of this disclosureencrypts/decrypts an file using the signature features of a user.Referring to FIG. 25, the electronic device 700 includes a storage unit710, a touch input unit 720, a display unit 730, and a processor 740.

The display unit 730 is used for displaying electronic files and menubar for a user. The menu bar includes the conventional items such ascopy, paste, delete, and cut. The menu bar also includes an encryptionitem and a decryption item. The storage paths for the encryption itemand the decryption item are predetermined. After the user selects theencryption or the decryption item, the display unit 730 displays aninterface for the user to input a password. In the embodiment, thepassword is the handwritten signature of a user. And after the passwordinput by the user is verified, the display unit 730 displayscorresponding interfaces for the user. The touch input unit 720 can be aportable device having touch input function or a touch screen equippedon the electronic device 700, for generating signals in response to userinput. In the embodiment, the touch input unit 720 includes a sensingunit, thus allows users to select an electronic file for encrypting ordecrypting, senses users' touch input of handwritten signatures andgenerates signals in response to the touch input of the handwrittensignature.

The processor 740 includes a detection module 741, a feature extractionmodule 742, a comparing module 743, an encryption and decryption module744, and a control module 745. The detection module 741 detects thetwo-dimensional coordinates (x, y) or three-dimensional coordinates (x,y, z) of each point of the handwritten signature of the user accordingto the generated signals. The feature extraction module 742 extracts thesignature features of the handwritten signature input by the useraccording to the two-dimensional or three-dimensional coordinates ofeach touch point of the handwritten signature detected by the detectionmodule 741 and a predetermined extraction manner. The feature extractionmodule 742 stores the extracted signature features of the handwrittensignature of the user in the storage unit 710. The feature extractionmodule 742 also stores the digital signals corresponding to theextracted signature features as a password in the storage unit 710. Thestored password is used for encrypting/decrypting files. The encryptionand decryption module 744 is configured for encrypting/decrypting a fileselected by the user using the stored password—the extracted signaturefeatures of the handwritten signature of the user. In the embodiment,the password input by the user for decrypting files is temporarilystored in a temporary region 711 of the storage unit 710, and theextracted password for encrypting and decrypting files is stored in thestorage region 722 of the storage unit 710.

The comparing module 743 is configured for comparing the password inputby the user and the password stored in the storage region 722, todetermine whether the passwords are the same, if yes, the comparingmodule 743 transmits a signal indicating the input password is correctto the control module 745, otherwise, the comparing module 743 transmitsa signal indicating the input password is wrong to the control module745. In the decryption process, the feature extraction module 742directly provides the password to the comparing module 743.

The control module 745 receives the signal transmitted from thecomparing module 743, and controls the electronic device 700 to executethe next process. That is, if the received command indicating the inputpassword is correct, the control module 745 decrypts the encrypted fileand controls the electronic device 700 to execute various functions inresponse to user's operation. If the received command indicating theinput password is wrong, the control module 745 creates a command forprompting the user that the input password is wrong, and controls thedisplay unit 730 to display the command via characters, and prompts theuser to re-enter the password.

FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of an encryption method for the electronicdevice 700 of FIG. 25. The method includes the following steps, each ofwhich is related to the various components contained in the electronicdevice 700:

In step S711, selecting a file and generating a menu bar in response touser input. The menu bar includes an encryption item and a decryptionitem.

In step S712, selecting the encryption item in response to user input.

In step S713, setting the storage position for the password in thestorage unit 710.

In step S714, creating a password prompt and displaying the passwordprompt.

In step S715, generating signals in response to handwritten signatureinput by the user.

In step S716, detecting the coordinates of each touch point of thehandwritten signature of the user according to the generated signals,and storing the detected coordinates in the temporary region 711. In theembodiment, the detected coordinates of the touch points of thehandwritten signature can be two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) orthree-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z).

In step S717, extracting the signature features of the handwrittensignature of the user according to the detected coordinates and apredetermined extraction manner, storing the extracted signaturefeatures of the handwritten signature of the user as the password in thestorage region 722, and encrypting the selected file using the password.

FIG. 27 shows a flowchart of a decryption method for the electronicdevice 700 of FIG. 25. The method includes the following steps, each ofwhich is related to the various components contained in the electronicdevice 700:

In step S721, selecting a file and generating a menu bar in response touser input. The menu bar includes an encryption item and a decryptionitem.

In step S722, selecting the decryption item in response to user input.

In step S723, creating a password input prompt and displaying thepassword input prompt.

In step S724, generating signals in response to handwritten signatureinput by the user.

In step S725, detecting the coordinates of each touch point of thehandwritten signature of the user according to the generated signals,and storing the detected coordinates in the temporary region 711. In theembodiment, the detected coordinates of the touch points of thehandwritten signature can be two-dimensional coordinates (x, y) orthree-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z).

In step S726, extracting the signature features of the handwrittensignature of the user according to the detected coordinates and apredetermined extraction manner.

In step S727, comparing the password input by the user and the passwordstored in the storage region 722, to determine whether the passwords arethe same, if yes, the processor goes to step S728, otherwise, theprocess ends.

In step S728, decrypting the selected file and entering the nextprocess.

With such a configuration, the user can encrypt and/or decrypt thetarget (such as a file) by inputting his/her handwritten signature,which is convenient and secure. Furthermore, the user does not need toremember a complex password anymore.

7. Office System and Safety Certification Method for Signatures Thereof

Referring to FIG. 28, an exemplary office system 2000 includes at leastone electronic device 800, an electronic apparatus 900, and a server600. The electronic device 800, the electronic apparatus 900, and theserver 600 communicate with each other via wired or wireless manner. Theelectronic device 800 is a super notebook having a touch input unit anda handwriting input function. In alternative embodiments, the electronicdevice 800 can be other commercial or personal electronic devices havingtouch input units and handwriting input functions, such as a mobilephone, a personal digital assistant, an electronic reader, a tabletcomputer, or a digital phone frame, for example. The electronicapparatus 900 can be a same device as the electronic device 800 or adifferent device. In the embodiment, the electronic apparatus 900includes the all the function units and components of the electronicdevice 800.

In the embodiment, when the electronic device 800 is powered on, theuser can select an item displayed on the electronic device 800 toreceive and open an e-mail or select a file/document to-be-signed from acommon region or a website. The file/document to-be-signed is sent froma sender. When the user determines to sign on the file/documentto-be-signed, the user can open the file/document to-be-signed and signshis/her name on a predetermined position (such as the signature field)on the touch input unit of the electronic device 800. The electronicdevice 800 automatically creates a feature file of the user. The createdfeature file of the user is invisible to users of the electronic device800 and includes a user identity (ID) of the user and signature featuresof the handwritten signature of the user. If the user selects to replythe e-mail to the sender or selects a recipient by applying a command onthe touch input unit or selecting an item displayed on the electronicdevice 800, the electronic device 800 then automatically encrypts thesigned file/document by the user (having the handwritten signature ofthe user) using the created feature file of the user, and packages theencrypted file/document to a signed file having a HTML format. Theelectronic device 800 also transmits the packaged signed file having theHTML format to the e-mail or the recipient or a designated regionselected by the user.

In the embodiment, the user ID is a unique ID and created according tothe signature features of the handwritten signature of the user, forrepresenting the identity of the user. That is, each handwrittensignature associated with an ID of a user, and the handwrittensignatures having the same signature features associates with a sameuser ID of a user. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic device800 also automatically adds at least one of the following information:the ID of the electronic device 800, the title of the receiver (such asmanager, or president etc.), the location that the receiver signs thefile/document, the fingerprint of the receiver, the photo of thereceiver, and the GPS data of the signed location.

In the embodiment, the electronic device 800 and electronic apparatus900 display the file/document to-be-signed one page at a time, that is,when the user opens the file/document to-be-signed, the electronicdevice 800 and electronic apparatus 900 display one page on the displayunit thereof and remaining pages are provided one at a time according touser input. The electronic apparatus 900 can also transmit thefile/document to-be-signed to the electronic device 800 one page at atime rather than as a whole single file. The user of the electronicdevice 800 adds comments on the pages and signs his/her signature on thepage, and the electronic device 800 can transmit the signedfile/document to the electronic apparatus 900 one page at a time so thatthe user does not have to have finished reading and signing all pages ofthe file before transmission of completed parts begins. Thus, during theoffice procedures of the office system 2000, the electronic files aredisplayed, transmitted, and received in page form. The written content(including the handwritten signatures and the comments written by theuser) is in electronic file form, rather than in paper form as used inthe conventional signing process, which is environmentally sound. Insome embodiments, the electronic device 800 and the electronic apparatus900 perform as electronic “paper notebooks,” which provide a familiarfeeling for users who are accustomed to using paper while providing apaperless environment. The office system 200 saves on paper, thus savingon office expenses, and is environmentally friendly, energy-saving, andconvenient.

For better understanding of this disclosure, the user of the electronicapparatus 900 is presumed to be the sender, and the user of theelectronic device 800 is presumed to be the receiver. In the embodiment,the electronic apparatus 900 transmits the electronic file to-be-signedto the e-mail of the receiver or the electronic device 800 via wired orwireless manner. The server 600 stores the feature file of the receiverindicating the signature features of the handwritten signature of thereceiver. The details for creating and extracting the signature featuresof the handwritten signatures can be found in the fifth part of thisdisclosure.

The electronic device 800 includes a storage unit 810, a touch inputunit 820, a display unit 830, a processor 840, and a communication unit850. The storage unit 810 stores at least an electronic file and arelationship table 112. The electronic files are stored in pages, thatis, the electronic files are scattered pages for storing and displaying.The electronic device 800 stores the received electronic file in one ormore pages in the storage unit 810, and numbers the pages of thereceived electronic file and the latterly received files in sequence.When the content of an electronic file is distributed on more than onepages, the electronic device 800 and the electronic apparatus 900 alsorecord the relationship between the pages which cooperatively presentthe whole content of the electronic file.

The processor 840 includes an identification module 841, a controlmodule 842, and an image processing module 843. The image processingmodule 843 creates an image of the written content in response to userinput. The control module 842 is configured for controlling the displayunit 830 to display the created image. The identification module 841 isconfigured for identifying the command of the user according to thesignals generated by the touch input unit 820, and retrieving thecommand associated with the identified command from the relationshiptable 112 (see FIG. 2). The control module 842 is further configured forcontrolling the corresponding function modules of the electronic device800 to execute the command retrieved by the identification module 841.

Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, when the receiver opens the to-be-signedelectronic file 801 on the electronic device 800, the receiver canselect the stylus button 811 displayed on the top of the display unit830 on the touch input unit 820. Then the electronic device 800 entersthe handwriting input mode, the user can input touch input on the touchinput unit 820. The display unit 830 real-timely displays the writtencontent which is the same as the written trace of the user. In analternative embodiment, the electronic device 800 automatically entersthe handwritten input mode when the electronic file selected by the useris displayed on the display unit 830 or when the electronic device 800is powered on.

When the receiver signs his/her signature on the displayed electronicfile 801, the touch input unit 820 identifies the touch trace of thereceiver. The image processing module 843 creates images according tothe identified touch trace. The control module 842 controls the displayunit 830 to display the created images. Referring to FIG. 29, thesignature 802 and the signed date 803 of the receiver are displayed onthe electronic file 801. The user of the electronic device 800 also canadd comments such as “ok,” “agree” etc. on the electronic file 801. Thecontrol module 842 stores the comments added by the user and thesignature associated with the electronic file 801 in the storage unit810. Thus, when the user opens the electronic file 801, the display unit830 will display the content of the electronic file 801 and theassociated signature and added comments.

As shown in FIG. 28, the processor further includes a detection module844, a feature extraction module 845, a format conversion module 846, anID creating module 847, and an encryption and decryption module 848. Thedetection module 844 is configured for detecting the coordinates of eachpoint of the handwritten signature during the handwriting process, andstoring the detected coordinates in the storage unit 810. In theembodiment, the detected coordinates can be two-dimensional coordinates(x, y) or three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z). The featureextraction module 845 extracts the signature features of the handwrittensignature input by the user according to the coordinates of each pointof the handwritten signature detected by the detection module 844 and apredetermined extraction manner. In the embodiment, the predeterminedextraction manner is to extract coordinates of a number of featurepoints of the signature trace. The feature points of the signature traceare the points on the signature trace of the handwritten signature whichreflect the signature features of the user and may differ from other'ssignature features. The feature points of the signature trace areselected from the group consisting of: the first point of thehandwriting signature, the last point of the handwriting signature, thepoints having relative larger curvature (such as the points on the bentposition of the signature trace), the points on the two ends of ahorizontal line or a vertical line of a stroke, the lift point when thefinger or the stylus of the user leaves the touch input unit 820 duringthe handwritten signature process, and the point following a lift pointetc. The control module 842 controls the communication unit 850 totransmit the extracted signature features of the handwritten signatureof the user to the server 600.

The server 600 includes a storage unit 610, a verification unit 620, acommunication unit 630, and a processor 640. The storage unit 610 storesa mapping relationship between a number of signature features ofhandwritten signatures and a number of user names/IDs. The communicationunit 630 is used for communicating with electronic device 800,electronic apparatus 900 or other devices. The communication unit 630receives the extracted signature features and user names from theelectronic apparatus 900, and receives the extracted signature featuresand user names/IDs from the electronic device 800. The verification unit620 is used for comparing the extracted signature features of a usertransmitted from the electronic device 800 or the electronic apparatus900 with the signature features of the handwritten signature associatedwith the user name/ID stored in the storage unit 610, to verify whetherthe signature features are the same or the differences between thesignature features fall within a predetermined acceptable differencerange. The verification unit 620 also transmits the verified results tothe electronic device 800 and/or the electronic apparatus 900.

When the sender—the user of the electronic apparatus 900 wants to sendthe to-be-signed electronic file to the receiver—the user of theelectronic device 800, the sender selects a communication address suchas the e-mail address or a fax number (eg. telephone number) of thereceiver, and then transmits the to-be-signed electronic file to thereceiver of the electronic device 800 via a wired or wireless manner. Inthe embodiment, when the sender opens a page of an electronic file, andtells the electronic apparatus 900 to send the electronic file by apredetermined command, the electronic apparatus 900 will display aninterface showing the selective pages for the user to select. The usercan select to send one or more pages displayed on the interface to thereceiver.

When the receiver attempts to open the electronic file sent by thesender, the server 600 sends a request to invite the receiver of theelectronic device 800 to enter a user name and a password. In theembodiment, the password is the handwritten signature of the receiver.The feature extraction module 845 of the electronic device 800 extractsthe signature features of the handwritten signature of the receiveraccording to the handwritten signature input by the receiver. Thedetails are described above. Then electronic device 800 then transmitsthe extracted the signature features of the receiver to the server 600.The verification unit 620 of the server 600 then verifies the extractedthe signature features of the receiver.

After the extracted the signature features of the receiver are verifiedby the server 600, the control module 842 further controls the displayunit 830 to displayed the verified result transmitted from the server600. In an alternative embodiment, when the receiver attempts to openthe electronic file sent by the sender, the server 600 does not send arequest to invite the receiver of the electronic device 800 to enter auser name and a password. The electronic device 800 directly opens anddisplays electronic file transmitted from the sender. The server 600 maysend a request to invite the receiver of the electronic device 800 toenter a user name and a password when the receiver finishes signinghis/her signature or when the electronic apparatus 900 receives thesigned electronic file.

In the embodiment, when the verification unit 620 of the server 600determines that the handwritten signature of the receiver has passed theverification, that is, the handwritten signature of the receiver isverified to be true, the electronic 800 then opens the electronic filein response to the receiver's operation. When the receiver has signedthe electronic file and has added comments on the electronic file, andselects to send the signed electronic file back to the sender byinputting a command or click a button displayed on the display unit 830,the format conversion module 846 converts the signed electronic file 801including the content of the to-be-signed electronic file, the signature802 of the receiver, the signed date 803 and the comments added by thereceiver to an electronic file having a HTML format. The encryption anddecryption module 848 encrypts the converted electronic file having theHTML format using the feature file of the receiver extracted by thefeature extraction module 845. The ID creating module 847 creates an IDof the receiver according to the signature features of the receiver. Thecreated ID of the receiver is a unique code representing and associatedwith the receiver. In the embodiment, the created ID of the receiver isthe ID of the receiver. The ID creating module 847 also adds the createdID of the receiver on the upper right corner of the encrypted electronicfile having the HTML format. For example, the created ID of the receiveris not encrypted and is visible by users.

If the encrypted electronic file having the HTML format includes morethan one page, the created ID of the receiver is added on the upperright corner of the first page. In an alternative embodiment, thecreated ID of the receiver is added and displayed on a non-confidentialor unsealed region of the encrypted electronic file having the HTMLformat.

The control module 842 controls the communication unit 850 to transmitthe encrypted electronic file having the HTML format and added thecreated ID of the receiver to the communication address selected by thereceiver. In the embodiment, the encrypted electronic file having theHTML format and added the created ID of the receiver is received by thesender of the electronic device 900.

In an alternative embodiment, the control module 842 of the electronicdevice 800 also automatically adds at least one of the followinginformation: the ID of the electronic device 800, the title of thereceiver (such as manager, or president etc.), the location that thereceiver signs the electronic file/document, the fingerprint of thereceiver, the photo of the receiver, and the GPS data of the signedlocation.

In an embodiment, the office system 2000 does not automatically verifythe signature of the receiver of the electronic device 800. Instead,when the signed electronic file is received, the sender of theelectronic apparatus 900 sends a request for verifying the signature ofthe receiver to the server 600.

To facilitate the description, the function units/modules of theelectronic device 800 are considered as the unction units/modules ofelectronic apparatus 900 in the following descriptions, since theelectronic device 800 and the electronic apparatus 900 include the samefunction units/modules.

When the sender of the electronic apparatus 900 receives the signedelectronic file—the encrypted electronic file having the HTML format andadded the created ID of the receiver, the only visible content is theadded ID of the receiver on the upper right corner. The other content ofthe signed electronic file is encrypted and is invisible and cannotopen. The identification module 841 is configured for identifying theadded ID of the receiver on the upper right corner. The control module842 controls the electronic apparatus 900 to send a request fordecrypting the signed electronic file to the server 600 via thecommunication unit 850.

For safety reasons, in the embodiment, when the request for decryptingthe signed electronic file is received, the processor 640 controls theserver 600 to send a request for inviting the sender of the electronicapparatus 900 to enter a user name and a password for verifying theidentity of the sender. The password is the handwritten signature of thesender. The feature extraction module 845 of the electronic apparatus900 extracts the signature features of the handwritten signature of thesender according to the handwritten signature input by the sender. TheID creating module 847 creates an ID of the sender according to thesignature features of the sender. The created ID of the sender is aunique code representing and associated with the sender. The server 600verifies whether the signature features of the handwritten signature ofthe sender transmitted from the electronic apparatus 900 is the same asthe signature features associated with the ID of the sender stored inthe storage unit 610, or whether the differences between the signaturefeatures fall within a predetermined acceptable difference range. If theserver 600 has verified the signature of the sender to be true, theprocessor 640 decrypts the electronic file for the electronic apparatus900.

In an alternative embodiment, after the request for decrypting thesigned electronic file is received and the signature of the sender ofthe electronic apparatus 900 is verified, the processor 640 furthercontrols the server 600 to send a request for inviting the sender of theelectronic apparatus 900 to send the ID of the receiver added on theupper right corner of the signed electronic file. When the ID of thereceiver added on the upper right corner of the signed electronic fileis received, the server 600 further compares the received ID with theIDs stored in the storage unit 610, to find the same ID and associatedsignature features from the storage unit 610. The processor 640 furthercreates a password according to the found signature features associatedwith the ID. The created password is used for decrypting the signedelectronic file and only can be used for one time. The processor 640also controls the communication unit 630 to transmit the createdpassword to the electronic apparatus 900. When the created password isreceived, the encryption and decryption module 848 of the electronicapparatus 900 decrypts the signed electronic file. The sender then canopen the decrypted electronic file signed by the receiver of theelectronic device 800.

In an embodiment, the ID added on the upper right corner of the signedelectronic file includes the information of the sender (the receiver)and the recipient (the sender) of the signed electronic file.

In the embodiment, the processor 840 of the electronic device800/electronic apparatus 900 further includes a page flipping module851, a storage module 852, and a page opening module 853. The electronicfiles of the electronic device 800/electronic apparatus 900 are storedand displayed in pages. The page opening module 853 opens a page anddisplays the page on the display unit 830. When the electronic device800 or the electronic apparatus 900 is powered on, and the storage unit810 is opened by the user, the display unit 830 then displays iconsassociated with the pages. Each icon is associated with a page. And thename of each page is the page number. After the user has opened a page,the page flipping module 851 then identifies the flipping commands ofthe user and controls the display unit 830 to display the desired page.If the last page of the electronic files is displayed, and the userstill wants to turn to a next page, the display module 830 will displaya blank new page numbered after the pages to the user. The storagemodule 852 then stores the new page follows the pages of the electronicfiles in the storage unit 810. That is, the storage module 852 creates anew icon associated with the new page and ranks the new icon after theicons. If the user writes content on the new page, the storage module852 also real-timely or from time to time stores the written content onthe new page in the storage unit 810. In an alternative embodiment, theuser can manually store the written content and the new page in thestorage unit 810. The electronic device 800 and the electronic apparatus900 also provide a deleting function for the user. The user can deletespart of the content of a page or deletes a page (see the first part ofthis disclosure). The electronic device 800 and the electronic apparatus900 also renumbers the page number of the pages when one or more pageshas been deleted.

With such a configuration, the office system 2000 verifies the signatureof the user using the server 600, and uses the extracted signaturefeatures of the handwritten signature of the user as the password of anelectronic file. Thus, it reduces the possibility of electronic filewith forged or tampered content, and reduces the possibility of forgedsignatures. The electronic office safety is greatly improved. The officesystem 2000 is also paperless thus is more efficient, convenient, andenvironmental sound.

FIG. 30 shows a flowchart of a signed file encryption method of a safetycertification method for signatures of the office system 2000. Theoffice system 2000 includes at least one electronic device 800, anelectronic apparatus 900, and a server 600. The server 600 includes astorage unit 610, a verification unit 620, a communication unit 630, anda processor 640. The storage unit 610 stores a mapping relationshipbetween a number of signature features of handwritten signatures and anumber of user names/IDs. The method includes the following steps, eachof which is related to the various components contained in the officesystem 2000:

In step S811, electronic device 900 selects a communication address (ane-mail address or a telephone number) of a receiver in response to asender's operation, and transmits an electronic file to-be-signed andselected by the user to the receiver of the electronic device 800. Inthe embodiment, the user of the electronic apparatus 900 is presumed tobe the sender, and the user of the electronic device 800 is presumed tobe the receiver.

In step S812, when the receiver attempts to open the electronic filesent by the sender, the server 600 sends a request to invite thereceiver of the electronic device 800 to enter a user name and apassword. In an embodiment, this step can be omitted.

In step S813, the feature extraction module 845 of the electronic device800 extracts the signature features of the handwritten signature of thereceiver according to the handwritten signature input by the receiver,the ID creating module 847 creates an ID of the receiver according tothe signature features of the receiver, and the communication unit 850transmits the extracted the signature features and the created ID of thereceiver to the server 600. The created ID of the receiver is a uniquecode representing and associated with the receiver. In the embodiment,the created ID of the receiver is the ID of the receiver.

In step S814, the verification module 620 of the server 600 verifieswhether the handwritten signature of the receiver is true, if yes, theprocess goes to step S815, otherwise, the process ends.

In step S815, the electronic device 800 opens and displays theelectronic file to-be-signed.

In step S816, the electronic device 800 generates signals in response touser's handwritten input for signature and comments on the electronicfile.

In step S817, the format conversion module 846 of the electronic device800 converts the signed electronic file 801 including the content of theto-be-signed electronic file, the signature 802 of the receiver, thesigned date 803 and the comments added by the receiver to an electronicfile having a HTML format.

In step S818, the encryption and decryption module 848 encrypts theconverted electronic file having the HTML format using the feature fileof the receiver extracted by the feature extraction module 845.

In step S819, the ID creating module 847 creates an ID of the receiveraccording to the signature features of the receiver, and adds thecreated ID of the receiver on the upper right corner of the encryptedelectronic file having the HTML format.

In step S820, the control module 842 controls the communication unit 850to transmit the encrypted electronic file having the HTML format andadded the created ID of the receiver to the electronic apparatus 900.

FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of a signed file decryption method of a safetycertification method for signatures of the office system 2000. Theoffice system 2000 includes at least one electronic device 800, anelectronic apparatus 900, and a server 600. The server 600 includes astorage unit 610, a verification unit 620, a communication unit 630, anda processor 640. The storage unit 610 stores a mapping relationshipbetween a number of signature features of handwritten signatures and anumber of user names/IDs. The method includes the following steps, eachof which is related to the various components contained in the officesystem 2000:

In step S911, the electronic apparatus 900 sends a request fordecrypting the signed electronic file to the server 600 in response tosender input.

In step S912, when the request for decrypting the signed electronic fileis received, the processor 640 controls the server 600 to send a requestto invite the sender of the electronic apparatus 900 to enter a username and a password for verifying the identity of the sender.

In step S913, the feature extraction module 845 of the electronicapparatus 900 extracts the signature features of the handwrittensignature of the sender according to the handwritten signature input bythe sender, and the ID creating module 847 creates an ID of the senderaccording to the signature features of the sender. In the embodiment,the extracted signature features and the created ID are transmitted tothe server 600.

In step S914, the server 600 verifies whether the signature features ofthe handwritten signature of the sender transmitted from the electronicapparatus 900 is the same as the signature features associated with theID of the sender stored in the storage unit 610, or whether thedifferences between the signature features fall within a predeterminedacceptable difference range. If yes, the process goes to step S915,otherwise, the process ends. In the embodiment, the server 600 alsotransmits the verified result to the electronic apparatus 900.

In step S915, the server 600 sends a request for inviting the sender ofthe electronic apparatus 900 to send the ID of the receiver added on theupper right corner of the signed electronic file. In an embodiment, thisstep can be omitted.

In step S916, the server 600 compares the received ID with the IDsstored in the storage unit 610, to find the same ID and associatedsignature features from the storage unit 610.

In step S917, The processor 640 creates a password according to thefound signature features associated with the ID, and controls thecommunication unit 630 to transmit the created password to theelectronic apparatus 900. In the embodiment, the created password isused for decrypting the signed electronic file and only can be used forone time.

In step S918, the electronic apparatus 900 decrypts the electronic fileusing the created password.

8. Identifying Handwritten Arithmetic Equations and Calculating theResults

An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides an electronic devicewhich can automatically identify handwritten arithmetic equations andnumerals input by a user and can automatically calculate and output theresults accordingly.

FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an electronic device 950 in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing theoperation interface displayed on the electronic device 950 of FIG. 32.The electronic device 950 includes a storage unit 951 storing a numberof arithmetic equation models so that handwritten equations can berecognized. For simplicity only basic arithmetic equation models aredescribed. The arithmetic equation model is selected from the groupconsisting of: the addition equation model, the subtraction equationmodel, the multiplication equation model, and the division equationmodel. The arithmetic equation model can be vertical or horizontal (eg.“A+B=”).

Each arithmetic equation model defines the following elements: a firstnumerical position, a second numerical position, an arithmetic symbol,an arithmetic command symbol, and a mapping positional relationshipbetween the first numerical position, the second numerical position, thearithmetic symbol, and the arithmetic command symbol. The arithmeticsymbol can be the plus sign, the minus sign, the multiplication sign, orthe division sign. That is “+,” “−,” “×, or *” and “÷” written by theuser. If the arithmetic equation model is horizontal, the arithmeticsymbol is positioned between the first numerical position and the secondnumerical position. The second numerical position is positioned betweenthe arithmetic symbol and the arithmetic command symbol. The arithmeticcommand symbol is − an equal sign “=” followed by a space (eg. theequation 331 shown in FIG. 33) and is close to the second numericalposition. If the arithmetic equation model is vertical, the firstnumerical position is positioned above the second numerical position,the arithmetic symbol is almost flush with the second numericalposition, and the arithmetic command symbol is positioned below thesecond numerical position and the arithmetic symbol. The arithmeticcommand symbol is a horizontal line (eg. the horizontal line 332 shownin FIG. 33) close to the second numerical position and the arithmeticsymbol.

Referring to FIG. 32, the electronic device 950 further includes a touchscreen 952 and a processor 953. The touch screen 952 senses handwrittentouch input of a user and generates signals associated with the user'shandwritten touch input. The processor 953 includes a written contentcreating module 9531, identification and determination module 9532, anda calculation module 9533. The written content creating module 9531 isconfigured for creating written content according to the handwritteninput signals generated by the touch screen 952, and controlling thetouch screen 952 to display the created written content of the user. Inanother embodiment, the written content creating module 9531 can be awritten content display module configured for controlling displayinghandwritten content according to the generated signals.

The identification and determination module 9532 is configured forrecognizing the handwritten content of the user, and converting therecognized handwritten content into an arithmetic operation if therecognized handwritten content matches one of the arithmetic equationmodels stored in the storage unit 851. In the embodiment, theidentification and determination module 9532 determines whether thehandwritten content includes the following elements defined by thearithmetic equation models stored in the storage unit 851: the firstnumerical position, the second numerical position, the arithmeticsymbol, the arithmetic command symbol, and the mapping positionalrelationship between the first numerical position, the second numericalposition, the arithmetic symbol, and the arithmetic command symbol. Ifthe handwritten content matches one of the arithmetic equation modelsstored in the storage unit 851, the identification and determinationmodule 9532 also transmits the arithmetic equation model matching thehandwritten content and the identified handwritten content correspondingto the defined elements of the arithmetic equation model to thecalculation module 9533. In the embodiment, the identification anddetermination module 9532 identifies the handwritten content positionedcorresponding to each defined elements of the determined arithmeticequation model according to the coordinates of the handwritten contentinput by the user.

The calculation module 9533 runs math applications to calculate theresult according to the arithmetic equation model matching thehandwritten content and the handwritten content corresponding to eachelement defined by the determined arithmetic equation model transmittedfrom the identification and determination module 9532. The calculationmodule 9533 also controls the touch screen 952 to display the calculatedresult on a predetermined portion. The predetermined position isassociated with the type of the determined arithmetic equation model.For example, if the determined arithmetic equation model is vertical,the predetermined position is under the arithmetic command symbol (eg.the horizontal line 332). If the determined arithmetic equation model ishorizontal, the predetermined position is on the right of the arithmeticcommand symbol (eg. the equation 331). In the embodiment, thecalculation module 9533 controls the touch screen 952 to display thecalculated result immediately after the user writes the arithmeticequation.

Referring to FIG. 33( a), if the user writes a vertical arithmeticequation such as “x” on the touch screen 952, the identification anddetermination module 9532 identifies that the written numeralcorresponding to the first numeral position is the number 12, thewritten numeral corresponding to the second numeral position is thenumber 5, the written arithmetic symbol is the multiplication, and thewritten arithmetic command symbol is the horizontal line 332, accordingto the signals generated by the touch screen 952 and the handwrittencontent of the user created by the handwritten content creating module9531. The identification and determination module 9532 determines thehandwritten content of the user matches a vertical arithmetic equationmodel stored in the storage unit 951. When the horizontal line 332 hasbeen written, the calculation module 9533 then runs math applications tocalculate a product. And controls the touch screen 952 to display theproduct—“60” under the horizontal line 332 (see FIG. 33( b)).

FIG. 33 shows other arithmetic equations written by the user. Thecalculation process is similar to the above described. In an alternativeembodiment, the electronic device 950 can identify and calculate writtenarithmetic equations which are more complicated. These complexarithmetic equations may include more than two numeral positions, eg.“12×(35+48)=.” The electronic device 950 can automatically identify thesymbols such as the brackets and the braces, and analyze the calculationorder between the numeral positions. The calculation module 9533 runsmath applications to calculate the result. The electronic device 950also displays the calculated result for the user.

If the written arithmetic equation is vertical and the electronic device950 has already calculated and displayed the calculated result for theuser, and then the user continues to write an arithmetic equation addedbelow the calculated result (see FIG. 33( b)), then the calculatedresult (eg. 15) is considered as a number associated with the firstnumeral position by the electronic device 950, and the newly addednumber (eg. 6) is identified as the number associated with the secondnumeral position. Then the electronic device 950 calculates the result(eg. 9) and displays the calculated result for the user.

FIG. 34 shows a flowchart of a calculation method of the electronicdevice 950 of FIG. 32. The electronic device includes the storage unit951 storing a number of arithmetic equation models. Each arithmeticequation model defines the following elements: a first numericalposition, a second numerical position, an arithmetic symbol, anarithmetic command symbol, and a mapping positional relationship betweenthe first numerical position, the second numerical position, thearithmetic symbol, and the arithmetic command symbol. The methodincludes the following steps, each of which is related to the variouscomponents contained in the electronic device 950:

In step S951, generating signals in response to user's handwritteninput.

In step S952, creating written content of the user according to thegenerated signals, and displaying the created written content. In theembodiment, the written content is handwritten content.

In step S953, identifying the created written content of the user, anddetermining whether the created written content matches one of thearithmetic equation models stored in the storage unit 851. If yes, theprocess goes to step S954, otherwise, the process ends.

In step S954, the calculation module 9533 runs math applications tocalculate a result according to the arithmetic equation model matchingthe created written content and the written content corresponding toeach element defined by the determined arithmetic equation model, anddisplaying the calculated result on a predetermined position.

With such a configuration, the electronic device 950 can automaticallyidentify the handwritten arithmetic equations and numerals input by theuser and can automatically calculate the results accordingly. Theelectronic device 950 also displays the calculated result on apredetermined position which is satisfied with the conventional habitsof the user. Thus, it matches the written operation of the user on realpapers, which is more convenient and accustomed for the user.

Although the present disclosure has been specifically described on thebasis of the embodiments thereof, the disclosure is not to be construedas being limited thereto. Various changes or modifications may be madeto the embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a storage unit,configured for storing a relationship table recording a mappingrelationship between handwritten touch inputs and a plurality ofcommands associated with the handwritten touch inputs; a display unitfor displaying an electronic file; a touch input unit, configured forgenerating a trigger signal if a touch trace of a user on the displayedelectronic file forming a closed loop having an enclosed region, sensinghandwritten touch input by the user within the enclosed region andgenerating signals associated with the handwritten touch input; and aprocessor, comprising: a command identification module, configured fordetermining a command associated with the sensed handwritten touch inputaccording to the relationship table in response to the trigger signal; acontent retrieving module, configured for retrieving content of thedisplayed electronic file within the enclosed region; and a controlmodule, configured for controlling executing the retrieved command tothe retrieved content.
 2. The electronic device as described in claim 1,wherein when the handwritten touch input within the enclosed region is apredetermined term or letter meaning or representative of print, thecommand identification module retrieves a printing command from therelationship table, and the control module controls transmitting theretrieved content to a printer for printing.
 3. The electronic device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein when the handwritten touch input withinthe enclosed region is a predetermined term or letter meaning orrepresentative of fax, the command identification module retrieves a faxcommand from the relationship table, and the control module controlstransmitting the retrieved content to a fax machine selected by theuser.
 4. The electronic device as described in claim 1, wherein when thehandwritten touch input within the enclosed region is a predeterminedterm or letter meaning or representative of delete, the commandidentification module retrieves a deleting command associated with thetouch input from the relationship table, and the control module controlsdeleting the retrieved content of the displayed electronic file.
 5. Theelectronic device as described in claim 1, wherein when the handwrittentouch input within the enclosed region is a predetermined term or lettermeaning or representative of copy, the command identification moduleretrieves a copy command associated with the touch input from therelationship table, and the control module controls copying and storingthe retrieved content for future use.
 6. The electronic device asdescribed in claim 1, wherein when the handwritten touch input withinthe enclosed region is a predetermined term or letter meaning orrepresentative of translate, the command identification module retrievesa translation command associated with the touch input from therelationship table, and the control module controls translating theretrieved content of the displayed electronic file to a languageselected by the user.
 7. The electronic device as described in claim 1,wherein the handwritten touch input is selected from the groupconsisting of: a character, a letter, a term, a phrase, a sentence, asymbol, a numeral, and a sign.
 8. A touch control method used for anelectronic device, the electronic device storing a relationship tablerecording a mapping relationship between handwritten touch input and aplurality of commands associated therewith, the method comprising:displaying an electronic file; sensing a touch trace of a user on thedisplayed electronic file and generating a trigger signal if the touchtrace forms a closed loop having an enclosed region; sensing handwrittentouch input by the user within the enclosed region and generatingsignals associated with the user's handwritten touch input; recognizinga circled path having an enclosed region as input by the user accordingto the generated signals; determining a command associated with thesensed handwritten touch input according to the relationship table inresponse to the trigger signal; retrieving content of the displayedelectronic file displayed within the enclosed region; and executing theretrieved command to the retrieved content.
 9. The method as describedin claim 8, wherein if the handwritten touch input within the enclosedregion is a predetermined term or letter meaning or representative ofprinting, a printing command is determined.
 10. The method as describedin claim 8, wherein the detail steps of “identifying a handwritten touchinput on the enclosed region input by the user according to thegenerated signals, and retrieving a command associated with thehandwritten touch input from the relationship table” and “controllingexecuting the retrieved command to the retrieved content” are:identifying whether the handwritten touch input on the enclosed regioninput by the user is a predetermined term meaning fax; retrieving a faxcommand associated with the handwritten touch input from therelationship table; and controlling transmitting the retrieved contentto a fax number selected by the user.
 11. The method as described inclaim 8, wherein the detail steps of “determining a command associatedwith the sensed handwritten touch input according to the relationshiptable in response to the trigger signal” and “executing the retrievedcommand to the retrieved content” are: determining whether thehandwritten touch input within the enclosed region is a predeterminedterm or letter meaning or representative of delete; retrieving adeleting command associated with the handwritten touch input from therelationship table; and deleting the retrieved content of the displayedelectronic file.
 12. The method as described in claim 8, wherein thedetail steps of “determining a command associated with the sensedhandwritten touch input according to the relationship table in responseto the trigger signal” and “executing the retrieved command to theretrieved content” are: determining whether the handwritten touch inputwithin the enclosed region is a predetermined term or letter meaning orrepresentative of copy; retrieving a copy command associated with thehandwritten touch input from the relationship table; and copying andstoring the retrieved content for future use.
 13. The method asdescribed in claim 8, wherein the detail steps of “determining a commandassociated with the sensed handwritten touch input according to therelationship table in response to the trigger signal” and “executing theretrieved command to the retrieved content” are: determining whether thehandwritten touch input within the enclosed region is a predeterminedterm or letter meaning or representative of translate; retrieving atranslation command associated with the handwritten touch input from therelationship table; and translating the retrieved content of thedisplayed electronic file to a language selected by the user.
 14. Themethod as described in claim 8, wherein the handwritten touch input isselected from the group consisting of: a character, a term, a letter, aphrase, a sentence, a symbol, a numeral, and a sign.